Content is King – How To Control The Rights To Source Material And Pay Nothing
Start Learning
Satisfaction Rate:
Webinar hosted by: Conrad Sun
Manager at Meridian Artists
Conrad is currently working as a TV Lit Manager and Development Executive at Meridian Artists, a literary management company with offices in Canada and the United States. Originally from Canada, Conrad made the move to Los Angeles over five years ago where he attended the University of Southern California’s Peter Stark Producing Program. After attaining his masters in film & TV producing, Conrad went on to work in both TV lit management at New Wave Entertainment, and TV production at Motion Theory Films. Conrad currently heads the Los Angeles offices of Meridian Artists and reps TV writers in both the comedy and drama space. Conrad boasts a successful short, Giri, starring Lauren Mary Kim (Star Trek), in which he produced and wrote. Conrad is also the founder of the popular website www.filmescape.com, an online resource and encyclopedia for learning anything related to the film and television industry. FilmEscape is deigned to give people a go-to place online to answer all their questions pertaining to the entertainment business. Full Bio »
Webinar Summary
Bonus! Get 2 contract templates: Option Agreement Template & Producer Attachment Agreement
"Conrad you were so very informative, had absolutely great advice, information a person would need to understand when going to a meeting for negotiations with executives. You covered most everything I wanted to ask. Thank you stage 32, this was the best webinar I have taken." - Diane K.
"Great summation of the ins and outs of right options. Thank you for the contract templates." - Karla T.
Ideas for movies, TV shows, web series etc. can come from anywhere. Often times it’s an original idea that comes from within your own creative mind, but as you know, a lot of the best stories can be based on other source material like books, real people’s lives, big brands, or any other already existing property.
In all of the latter scenarios, you can’t legally create your vision without controlling the rights to the source material. This often discourages people from pursuing these rights because it involves contracts, dealing with rights holders and costs money.
In this Stage 32 Next Level Webinar, Conrad Sun will change your perspective not only on how to acquire the rights to material, but how to develop great story ideas. He will explore creative ways on how to find and control the rights to stories that you’re passionate about without having to pay for them. Whether you’re a writer looking to adapt a screenplay, or a producer looking to set up a property with a financier, this webinar will provide useful information how to effectively control the rights to your passion project and hopefully lead to its creation.
Conrad Sun is currently working as a TV Lit Manager and Development Executive at Meridian Artists in Los Angeles and represents TV writers in both the comedy and drama space. Conrad has also worked in content development with companies like Epix, Hasbro Studios, Gran Via Productions (Breaking Bad), New Wave Entertainment and Motion Theory Films. Conrad is also the founder of the popular website FilmEscape, an online resource and encyclopedia for learning anything relating to the film and television industry.
What You'll Learn
- The three sources of power in the entertainment business
- The difference between controlling the rights and owning the rights to a property
- Getting creative in finding the story within obscure materials
- What situations you need to control the rights to material
- Option Agreement vs Producer Attachment Agreement
- The main terms of an option agreement
- Option Period
- Option Price
- Extension Period
- Extension Price
- Purchase Price
- Exclusivity
- Allied and Ancillary Rights
- The main terms of a producer attachment agreement
- Term
- Credit
- Negotiation Period
- Post-Term
- How to be creative in your pitch to the rights owner
- Ways to negotiate with the rights owner
- How to best utilize the time in which you have exclusivity to the rights
- Recorded, in-depth Q&A with Conrad!
About Your Instructor
Conrad Sun
FAQs
Q: How do I watch my webinar live?
A: If you received a confirmation that your webinar is on Go to Webinar, you will receive an email from Go to Webinar with further instructions for participating in the live webinar. You can also access your webinar link in your purchase history located under settings in the top right-hand corner of your Stage 32 profile.
If you received a confirmation that your webinar is on Zoom, you will receive a separate email from Zoom with further instructions for participating in the live webinar. Your login link will not be in your Stage 32 profile. If you did not receive your link via Zoom please email support@stage32.com.
Q: How do I watch my webinar on demand?
A: You will be able to watch your webinar on demand as many times as you’d like inside your Stage 32 profile. The recording is processed and posted between 24-48 hours after the webinar concludes. You can follow the instructions below.
YOU MUST HAVE A STAGE 32 PROFILE TO WATCH YOUR VIDEO – STAGE 32 IS FREE TO JOIN
If You Already Have a Stage 32 Profile:
- Log into your Stage 32 profile
- Click "Settings" in the top right-hand corner (gear icon)
- Click "Purchase History"
- Choose this webinar and click the link to view
- Go to www.stage32.com
- Create a profile using the SAME email address you used to sign up for this webinar. The email addresses must match in order to watch the webinar.
- Once you have your profile set up, you can view the webinar by clicking "Settings" in the top right hand corner (gear icon)
- Click "Purchase History"
- Choose this webinar and click the link to view
Q: What is the format of a webinar?
A: Stage 32 Next Level Webinars are typically 90-minute educational broadcasts that take place online using a designated software program from Stage 32. Your webinar will be taught by a working industry professional with in-depth teaching on a topic. If you are able to attend live you will be able to ask your Stage 32 Educator questions during Q&A.
Q: What are the system requirements to watch my webinar live?
A: You will need to meet the following system requirements in order to run the webinar software: Windows 7 or later Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) or later.
If you have Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OS X 10.9 (Mountain Lion): The webinar software does not support these operating systems. If you are running one of those operating systems, please upgrade now in order to be able to view a live webinar. Upgrade your Windows computer / Upgrade your Mac computer.
Q: What if I cannot attend the live webinar?
A: If you cannot attend a live webinar or purchase an on demand webinar, you will have access to the entire recorded broadcast, including the Q&A.
Q: Will I have access to the webinar afterward to re-watch?
A: Yes! Like all Stage 32 education, after the purchase of a live or on demand webinar, you will have on-demand access to the recording.
Q: How do I get a copy of the handouts provided?
A: If the webinar you take included handouts you can find them as downloads underneath your on demand video. You must be logged into your Stage 32 profile to view the video and get the handouts by clicking settings in the top right hand corner, then clicking purchase history.
Q: What if I need accessibility and accommodations?
A: Email support@stage32.com to request accommodations.
Thanks for your loyalty to Stage 32 Education. We value having you in the Stage 32 community.
If you have any further questions, we are always happy to help. Please contact Stage 32 support at support@stage32.com.
Testimonials
"I've never heard this topic discussed before. Amazing amount of practical information conveyed in a clear and concise way. Thanks for sharing this with us." - Dan G
"Conrad you were so very informative, had absolutely great advice, information a person would need to understand, when going to a meeting for negotiations with studio executives. You covered most everything I wanted to ask. Thank you stage 32, this was the best webinar, I have taken. Thank You again,Conrad Sun." - Diane K.
"Great summation of the ins and outs of right options. Thank you for the contract templates." - Karla T.
"Great job. You're a VERY engaging, knowledgeable and articulate speaker. Thanks." - James
"Excellent amount of information. Very practical" - Eric W.
“Terrific seminar worth 3 times the cost. You answered all my questions and some of them were stopping us from going to market within the next couple of weeks. We will do exactly what you recommended.” – Robert S.
“Great Great information. I took lots of notes and it gave me ideas even as my feature comedy is in development.” – Diane S.
Relevant Tags
Share with friends:
Questions?
Reviews Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5
-
Guido Jimenez-Cruz Very informing, but I wish the questions were prepared in advance so there wouldn't be so many silences. I guess the webinar was originally given live, therefore the long silences. The attachments are interesting. It gives new ideas, but I wish the presentation was more visual and snappy. Thanks -
John Guinn This was great i learned a lot. Many Thanks John guinn
Other education that may be of interest to you:
The Executive Hour with Special Guest "BATES MOTEL" Development Exec Kevin Nicklaus
We're excited to bring you another riveting Executive Hour with the Senior Vice President of Development at The Wolper Organization, Kevin Nicklaus! The Wolper Organization has a first-look deal with Warner Bros. which covers all divisions, including HBO, HBO Max, Warner Bros. features, and more. Kevin has been integral to the early development and sales of "BATES MOTEL" for A&E, the 2016 Emmy-nominated "ROOTS" for History, STEPHEN KING'S SALEM'S LOT for TNT, THE MISTS OF AVALON for TNT, HELTER SKELTER for CBS, THE BAD SEED for Lifetime and more. The Wolper Organization has been responsible for over 500 films, which have won more than 150 awards, including two Oscars, 50 Emmys, seven Golden Globes, five Peabody’s. During the conversation we discussed developing "BATES MOTEL", how Kevin finds new material, what writers can be doing to break out in this market, and much more!
Filmmakers: How to get Cinematic Images in Ugly and Small Locations—includes 6 case studies
Any independent filmmaker can tell you that one of the key rules to creating a successful film is to use what you got. This is especially true (and especially challenging) with cinematography. With a limited budget you’re likely not going to have the state-of-the-art equipment or perfectly lit soundstage to get the optimal shot. Often you’re going to have to make do with the locations the team was able to rustle up. These locations might be too small, might lack natural light, might be the wrong color. Well that’s too bad. If you want your indie film to look great, you’re going to have to be scrappy, adapt quickly, and be ready to pull a couple miracles out of your hat. Don’t think this won’t be noticed though; having the tools to make any location look great will not only elevate the film you’re working on, but also bolster your own reputation and prove your worth as a DP or director. It might not always be fully appreciated, but if you’re serving as DP, it’s down to you to take any shot and make it cinematic. Sometimes this might be as easy as setting up a fill light, but especially for low-budget projects, it’s often much more complicated. With a lack of access to sufficient resources, it can feel like reinventing the wheel to make any shot work. However, coming to set knowing the questions to ask and the tools at your disposal can make all the difference. What combination of a fill light, key light, and back light will work best? How can you use the props and materials that happen to be around to draw the eye to your subject? And perhaps most importantly, when should you push to make the shot better and when should you recognize that it’s as good as it’s going to be? Barry Andersson is an award-winning director and cinematographer. He has directed 5 feature films, many of which were released in theaters—his most recent film is being distributed by Lionsgate. Barry’s career as a cinematographer includes several television pilots, acclaimed short films, numerous commercials, and countless commercials and corporate videos. Barry is also the author of the DSLR Filmmakers Handbook. Barry has had to light and shoot more ugly locations than he can count and has developed a slew of strategies to tackle the challenges they bring. Barry will give you tips and tools to pull beauty out of the ugliest of locations. Barry will start by going through the basics of art direction and what expectations directors will have of you as a DP. Using case studies and practical examples, Barry will outline how to find and create depth in flat locations and how to use available lighting to your advantage, even if it’s not ideal. He’ll then give you ideas of how to find use available props and items you might not have considered to add dimension to your shot. Then Barry will discuss the importance of where in the location to place your talent to elevate or destroy your scene. Finally Barry will delve into the best way to choose the right lens for each shot. You'll walk away from this fun webinar knowing how to navigate any small space surprises once you get on set with your equipment. Praise for Barry's Webinar: "Very professional and Barry gave good advice" -Carol L. "Excellent webinar . Many great tips I can definitely use. Thanks!" -Ron H. "Barry has a bunch of great strategies that I'm totally going to use on my next shot" -Charlie C. "Super interesting and super practical advice. Thank you!" -Tina R.
Keys To Delivering Exceptional Sci-Fi Writing for Film, TV, and Beyond
Ever since Georges Méliès’ iconic LE VOYAGE DANS LA LUNE came out in 1902, science fiction has had an indelible mark on pop culture and has become a multi-billion dollar industry, evidenced by such popular recent projects as THE MIDNIGHT SKY, TENET, DEVS and BLACK MIRROR. Science fiction doesn’t just offer escapism, but also a unique lens through which to see our own lives and world. As a result, audiences are always going to have an appetite for this type of content, and sci-fi stories and scripts will continue to be discovered, picked up, and produced. If you are a sci-fi writer, there is always opportunity for your work to find success. Almost everyone is a fan of science fiction in some form or fashion, but we can all attest to the fact that not all of the sci-fi content out there today is exactly good. So what is it that separates good sci-fi writing from the bad? And what can you do to not only elevate your own science fiction writing, but find the best medium or platform for it to flourish? Good science fiction will always be a challenge to write, but it’s absolutely possible, especially with guidance from a practiced and proven sci-fi writer. Marc Scott Zicree has written and produced hundreds of hours of drama and science fiction TV for most of the major studios and networks,including Paramount, Universal, Disney, MGM, New Line, CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox, Showtime, Syfy, and Marvel. He has written for such sci-fi classics as STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION, DEEP SPACE 9 and BABYLON 5, and his landmark book The Twilight Zone Companion has been credited with creating the modern genre of books on TV series and inspiring a generation of series creators and filmmakers, including J.J Abrams and Damon Lindelof. Marc’s most recent book, CABINET OF CURIOSITIES, was co-written with director Guillermo del Toro, debuted as the number one movie book on Amazon, and is now a major series on Netflix. Marc’s decades of writing in the sci-fi space has made him a foremost expert on the art form of science fiction writing, and he has brought his extensive knowledge to the Stage 32 community. Marc will give you the lessons and tools you need to know to deliver exceptional sci-fi writing for film, television and beyond. You will learn screenwriting tools that will help improve the essence and marketability of your sci fi script. Marc will even walk through how to build out your world and how to continue finding stories in the universe you created. You will walk away with a clear path to identifying your story and incorporating elements to strengthen your characters, story and dialogue. PRAISE FOR MARC'S TEACHINGS: "EXTREMELY USEFUL points!! Loved hearing stories about behind the scenes stuff on Star Trek and his take on why different films worked or didn't. Would love to have a beer with this guy!" -- Karyn F. "Very interesting webinar Thanks!" -- Ron H. "Very informative and inspiring. I learned a lot about how to write quality sci-fi and also feel motivated to act upon the information I learned." -- Nancy G. "Marc has always been an extremely generous, informative and entertaining mentor/instructor. This webinar is just one more example of that." -- Matthew M.
Richard "RB" Botto, Producer, Actor and Screenwriter
Stage 32 CEO, Producer, and Screenwriter Richard "RB" Botto joins our Panel as we listen and read your pitches live to help educate the Writers' Room screenwriters on what is and isn't working in their pitch.
Book-to-Screen: Taking Your Book (or Screenplay) from Proposal to Published to Produced
Learn directly from Emmy Award-winning producer Lane Shefter Bishop! “Your story/book seems like it would make a great TV series or movie!” Ever heard these words before? If so, join executive Lane Shefter Bishop, as she takes you through the process in this Stage 32 Next Level Webinar. Over the last few years, Lane Shefter Bishop with Vast Entertainment has set up more than two dozen book properties – many of them only book proposals and early partials – with studios, networks and production companies throughout the entertainment industry. Underlying intellectual property is like gold these days. Great projects ‘based on’ or ‘inspired by’ literary material are constantly in demand. And by being in the center of this ‘content is king’ world, only Lane can give you the valuable insights towards making your story more sellable to the industry marketplace.
How to Make Your Script Appeal to Producers During COVID
The COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine have changed the film and television industry profoundly. Like it or not, we’re thinking about movies differently now, we’re making them differently, we’re selling them differently, and we’re watching them differently. Studios, buyers, and producers are keenly aware of this shift and are applying this to how they are choosing their next projects. As a writer, understanding how the industry is changing and what people are now looking for can make all the difference in being able to take the next steps in your career. With so many new obstacles and challenges now involved in making a film, producers have to weigh a lot more factors when choosing their next projects, including which movies will be safest to put together. Small details in scripts—scenes or moments that might have been no big deal to include as recently as a year ago—might now be all it takes for a producer or financier to reject. So how does production during COVID look like and how can you make your script work and come across as more attractive within these constraints? Let’s take a closer look. Multi Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and author Shane Stanley has worked in almost every capacity on and off the set with hit shows like ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT and SEINFELD and producing films like Sony Pictures’ GRIDIRON GANG a #1 box office hit starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. For three years, Shane was Vice President of Sheen/Michaels Entertainment where he produced several motion pictures starring Marlon Brando, Mira Sorvino, Thomas Hayden Church, Donald Sutherland, Marisa Tomei, Sean Penn, John Travolta, and Charlie and Martin Sheen. Shane continues to produce and direct independent films of all levels, including the action thriller BREAK EVEN and action comedy DOUBLE THREAT, currently in production. Shane recently released his book What You Don’t Learn In Film School, which covers filmmaking from concept to delivery and has already landed on required reading lists at several universities across the country. Shane continues to produce films during COVID and is well versed on what it takes to put a film together in this unique time. Shane will dive deep into how producers are operating in the time of COVID-19 and how you can make your script “COVID-friendly” and more attractive for producers to work on. He will begin by outlining how production has changed since COVID, including the biggest new hurdles, new guild requirements, and what’s keeping talent from signing on. He’ll explain what’s making movies more expensive to produce and what locations are now ideal or no longer easy to shoot in. He will next delve into what a COVID-friendly script looks like to a producer. He’ll talk about what kind of stories producers and buyers are seeking out, what red flags in your script will keep producers from signing on and how many characters are too many now. He will also discuss locations as well as the genres and themes that buyers are now gravitating towards. Shane will then discuss how to adjust your script to fit this new era, including deciding whether it’s worth adjusting or saving until things are safer and how to find compromise and middle ground when making changes. Finally, Shane will give you tips on how to get a producer on board during this time. This is a tricky time for everyone, but Shane will give you the lowdown to be smarter and more strategic in finding opportunities and success.
Register / Log In
